Proverbs 2:15
Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 5
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אָרְחֹתֵיהֶ֣ם
Whose ways
H734
אָרְחֹתֵיהֶ֣ם
Whose ways
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
2 of 5
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
Cross References
Psalms 125:5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.Proverbs 21:8The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.Deuteronomy 32:5They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.Philippians 2:15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;Isaiah 59:8The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
Historical Context
Deuteronomy repeatedly contrasts the 'straight way' God commanded with the 'crooked' paths of Canaan's inhabitants. Israel's calling was to demonstrate God's wisdom through righteous living, providing a clear moral contrast to surrounding nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you recognize when you're on a 'crooked path' rather than the straight way?
- What areas of life require intentional course correction to align with God's straight paths?
- How does the apparent complexity of modern ethics obscure the simplicity of God's moral standards?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Continuing the description of the wicked, this verse emphasizes their crooked paths and perverse ways. The Hebrew 'iqqesh' (crooked) and 'luwz' (perverse/devious) describe deliberate moral distortion. Unlike the straight path of wisdom that leads predictably to life, crooked paths wind chaotically, reflecting the fundamental irrationality of sin. Moral perversity produces practical chaos.